Scots ‘must boost green goals'

Scottish Renewables and WWF Scotland have called on the Scottish government to ensure half of the energy used in the country comes from renewable sources by 2030, following what they describe as a ‘landmark’ year in 2016 for clean power.

The achievements in 2016 include wind turbines generating more electricity than was used in the whole of Scotland on a single day and the world’s first fully operational array of tidal power turbines off Shetland.

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Last year also saw plans submitted for a kite wind power station near Stranraer and two separate proposals put forward for floating wind farms off Peterhead and Dounreay, WWF Scotland and Scottish Renewables said.

Scottish Renewables director of policy Jenny Hogan said: “Many of these achievements are being driven by Scotland's existing renewables and climate change targets, but with significant challenges facing the sector and a need to set out a clearer path, the time is now right to extend our horizons beyond 2020.

“In particular, a new target for at least 50% of Scotland’s energy needs to come from renewable sources in 2030 would enable us to continue to build on the economic and environmental benefits our industry is already delivering.”